Nguyen Duc Chung, the Hanoi chairman, has suggested the city’s long-discussed motorbike ban remains merely a proposal and has not been officially approved.
According to Dan Tri, the idea that Hanoi will ban motorbikes is merely the opinion of Vu Van Vien, the Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport.
Chung pointed out that, with around six million motorbikes in the capital and many unable to afford cars, any decisions would need to consider the average income of Hanoi residents.
"We'll review and publicize everything about the plan,” Chung said. “The previous news was only speculation and the private opinions of the director of the Hanoi Department of Transport."
Recently, however, Hanoi authorities considered limiting the registration of new motorbikes in certain areas of the city, with the first districts to limit new motorbike registration next year being Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Ba Dinh, Dong Da and Tay Ho.
Vu Van Vien also advocated implementing a trial ban on Nguyen Trai and Le Van Luong streets, where the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line begins. Hanoi’s Bus Rapid Transit route also serves the area.
Hanoi’s metro, meanwhile, is said to be opening this month, although no official announcement has been made.
